As I wrote in my book, trying to practice and move myself inward was a task I had really not participated in very often. I spent a lot of time getting things done, going here, participating in this group, getting into politics, representing people, both my community and advocating for my family. By the time I would get home at night, it was pure exhaustion.
There were those times when someone, or a group, would invite me to a conference to learn more skills in life...but in reality, when that opportunity presented itself, I was still catching up with the things that I believe had not been done in my life, so when I got to the workshop or function, it was always just a temporary escape.
Now, with a different perspective of just letting the dust bunnies drift around my kitchen and trying to eek away quiet time to meditate and concentrate on myself, in the task of trying to "just be" , (or stopping the monkeys in my brain), it is still a challenge.
Like going on a diet, increasing your exercise, or breaking yourself of any habit...it takes commitment to change yourself. Every new age guru will tell you, it's a challenge. But when you do focus on it, practice it, and allow your inner self to take over, it is phenomenal and increases your ability to be happier, healthier, and not to be in control of yourself - or others.
When I talk to younger women, usually from the age of 21 to 40, I see myself at their age. In these days of texting, Facebook, Pinterest, twittering or tweeting...these are added challenges of removing us from life. I also see it as the creative distraction that happens when we remove ourselves from just being. We are trying to get it all done in one day, when in reality, it will never be done.
Ah...the appreciation that I accept that and recognize that. It doesn't make any difference on why a person becomes addicted to those behaviors, because the human brain loves addictions. Whatever the habit (or addiction) is, it replaces a void we believe we have. That void is not empty, just a space that our inner-self is holding for us.
I remember during one summer, when I was about 32 or 33, busy in my motherhood and career life, I took a drive by myself up to the Mendocino coast to visit a family friend. After my overnight visit, I continued my drive from there up to Humboldt county along Highway 1, driving through the beauty of the forests and the coastal roads. When I got to the Anzini ranch to pick up my kids that had be visiting their grandparents, I remember my mother-in-law asking me "Lori, when was the last time that you have truly been by yourself?" I remember looking at her after a long pause, and told her, "I can't even come up with a time, or place. This drive by myself was really enjoyable". We had a big heart to heart on why it's important to seek out this time to yourself. After that discussion, she more or less became my hero and not just "my mother-in-law".
Nearly 30 years later, I can say, that it truly is a beautiful moment when you reward yourself and look inside. At that same moment, glide through your appreciation of your life, your gratitude of being, and enjoy the beauty of what lessons you have learned and the new ones coming your way.
It takes time to do this...but just by setting aside a few minutes each day is all it takes to bring a smile to your face and a twinkle in your eyes.
So I will end these thoughts now and focus on my big cat Smokey who is now reminding me that I haven't paid any attention to him...so signing off with "catitude!" Seek love in all things, including that which annoys you. - Namaste
There were those times when someone, or a group, would invite me to a conference to learn more skills in life...but in reality, when that opportunity presented itself, I was still catching up with the things that I believe had not been done in my life, so when I got to the workshop or function, it was always just a temporary escape.
Now, with a different perspective of just letting the dust bunnies drift around my kitchen and trying to eek away quiet time to meditate and concentrate on myself, in the task of trying to "just be" , (or stopping the monkeys in my brain), it is still a challenge.
Like going on a diet, increasing your exercise, or breaking yourself of any habit...it takes commitment to change yourself. Every new age guru will tell you, it's a challenge. But when you do focus on it, practice it, and allow your inner self to take over, it is phenomenal and increases your ability to be happier, healthier, and not to be in control of yourself - or others.
When I talk to younger women, usually from the age of 21 to 40, I see myself at their age. In these days of texting, Facebook, Pinterest, twittering or tweeting...these are added challenges of removing us from life. I also see it as the creative distraction that happens when we remove ourselves from just being. We are trying to get it all done in one day, when in reality, it will never be done.
Ah...the appreciation that I accept that and recognize that. It doesn't make any difference on why a person becomes addicted to those behaviors, because the human brain loves addictions. Whatever the habit (or addiction) is, it replaces a void we believe we have. That void is not empty, just a space that our inner-self is holding for us.
I remember during one summer, when I was about 32 or 33, busy in my motherhood and career life, I took a drive by myself up to the Mendocino coast to visit a family friend. After my overnight visit, I continued my drive from there up to Humboldt county along Highway 1, driving through the beauty of the forests and the coastal roads. When I got to the Anzini ranch to pick up my kids that had be visiting their grandparents, I remember my mother-in-law asking me "Lori, when was the last time that you have truly been by yourself?" I remember looking at her after a long pause, and told her, "I can't even come up with a time, or place. This drive by myself was really enjoyable". We had a big heart to heart on why it's important to seek out this time to yourself. After that discussion, she more or less became my hero and not just "my mother-in-law".
Nearly 30 years later, I can say, that it truly is a beautiful moment when you reward yourself and look inside. At that same moment, glide through your appreciation of your life, your gratitude of being, and enjoy the beauty of what lessons you have learned and the new ones coming your way.
It takes time to do this...but just by setting aside a few minutes each day is all it takes to bring a smile to your face and a twinkle in your eyes.
So I will end these thoughts now and focus on my big cat Smokey who is now reminding me that I haven't paid any attention to him...so signing off with "catitude!" Seek love in all things, including that which annoys you. - Namaste
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